Collingswood's Schuehler Qualifies for World Jr. Swimming Championships

Andy Schuehler is headed for Dubai next week.

The Collingswood High School Class of 2013 graduate turned in a stellar performance at the USA World Junior qualifying meet in Irvine, CA this month, and has been invited to join the American national team at the 2013 FINA World Junior Championships.

"I just sent in the information for my uniform measurements," Schuehler told Patch on Thursday.

Schuehler locked up his spot with a second-place finish in the 200-meter breaststroke (2:14.03) and a third-place finish in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:02.7).

His 200-meter time was ranked 88th worldwide, and 12th in the United States. The top six finishers qualify for the U.S. national team, Schuehler said, and his eyes are firmly fixed on a chance at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.

"For me, it's just realizing that you can really push yourself," he said. "You can't let your mind hold you back. Your body can do so much more than you think it can."

It'll be a whirlwind finish to the summer for Schuehler, who is attending Penn State University in the fall on a swimming scholarship. He actually had to get special dispensation from the school that would allow him to miss freshman orientation and the first week of classes.

"I had to kind of convince people to let me do it," Schuehler said. "I get back on September 2; my parents are going to pick me up at the airport and take me right there.

"They're a little stressed out, but they're excited for me too," he said.